Dirk VanderHart

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon cities, counties say Measure 110 blew a hole in their budgets

An effort by local governments to get lawmakers to reroute tens of millions of dollars currently paying for addiction services has service providers up in arms.

Feb 9, 2023

A man sits crosslegged on a sidewalk while holding a syringe and container of substance.

A man, 23, sits on the sidewalk in downtown Portland, preparing what he says is heroin, June 25, 2021. | KRISTYNA WENTZ-GRAFF/OPB

Addiction Experts Say Oregon Has Been Too Lax On Drug Use

As Measure 110 expands treatment options, they told state lawmakers it has reduced pressures on drug users to look for help.

Sep 22, 2022

Portland City Hall. | CITY OF PORTLAND/OPB

City Of Portland Set To Require Its Employees To Be Vaccinated

With the policy, Portland will become the latest major city requiring public workers to be vaccinated.

Aug 31, 2021

Last year, Dr. Dean Sidelinger warned of surging cases of the delta variant. Cases now are of a less threatening type. | KRISTIAN FODEN-VENCIL/OPB

Oregon On Precipice Of Another COVID Wave, Modeling Suggests

With the delta variant surging in the state, public health officials are urging the public to resume mask use and get vaccinated.

Aug 1, 2021

SHUTTERSTOCK

Oregon Lawmakers Will Take 'Big Swing' At Mental Health Funding

A package working its way through the budget process will amount to the Legislature’s largest-ever investment in necessary housing and services, advocates say.

Jun 16, 2021

Laura Hanson sits on the floor of the Oregon Senate in June 2019./Logan Gilles

Former Oregon Senate Aide Sues Legislature, Claims Discrimination

In a lawsuit filed Monday, Laura Hanson says she was discouraged from taking protected medical leave and punished when she did. Hanson’s case led to changes in how the Legislature handles some workplace complaints.

May 17, 2021

OHSU nurse practitioner Shelby Freed tests a patient for COVID. | BRADLEY W. PARKS/OPB

Oregon Could Shield Health Care Providers From COVID-Related Lawsuits

Senate Bill 780 would protect hospitals and others from being sued for “acts or omissions” made because of emergency rules set by the government.

May 10, 2021

Bradley W. Parks/OPB

Oregon Signals Delay To Long-Sought Paid Family, Medical Leave Program

A bill introduced in the Oregon House would delay many facets of the Oregon Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance program by a year.

May 5, 2021

The Oregon State Capitol building in Salem. | BEN BOTKIN/THE LUND REPORT

Lawmakers Prep Tweaks To Oregon’s Drug Decriminalization Effort

Senate Bill 755, which is moving through the Legislature, includes some meaningful changes to the treatment process envisioned in 2020′s Ballot Measure 110.

Apr 14, 2021